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Aussies see Jan 26 as day to reflect: Ita

Australian of the Year finalist Ita Buttrose reckons more citizens are seeing Australia Day as an occasion to reflect on what it means to be an Aussie.

The high profile former magazine editor says being a finalist for the major annual award is a fantastic opportunity to meet others who have contributed in extraordinary ways to the country.

"In this day and age, it's become a day when a lot of us reflect more than we once did on what it does mean to be Australian, what we get from our country and what we can do to give back to it," she told reporters at the official 2013 Australian of the Year finalists lunch in Canberra on Friday.

"I personally think it's a day when you should always cherish the freedom we have in this country, the freedom to speak and the freedom to move around freely."

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Senior Australian of the Year Queensland finalist Laurie Lawrence, a former Olympic swim coach who has campaigned tirelessly on water safety, said being nominated was a humbling experience.

He said he always thought Australian heroes were those who stared down microscopes or cared for disabled children.

Mr Lawrence said being able to promote his "Kids Alive - Do the Five" campaign was important, noting drownings in the under five age group had fallen to 21, from 63, in recent years.

"People say fantastic," he said.

"I say that's a busload of kids - that's 21 Aussies that won't see Australia Day next year.

"If we can continue to push the message and the country gets behind it, then I believe zero pre-school drownings is possible and it certainly would be as good as putting any man on the moon."

Businessman Kerry Stokes said being nominated for Australian of the Year was one of his proudest moments, a surprise and a great honour.

Mr Stokes, who has long supported the Australian War Memorial through purchasing important artefacts such as Victoria Cross medals, is representing Western Australia.

"I love the war memorial," he said.

"The war memorial is part of our Australian psyche. It represents all those great things that mean to be Australian.

"People remember the First World War but one of the things we tend to forget is that was the beginning of volunteering.

"That was when Australia started this great culture of volunteering for what were difficult jobs. Today we have the same culture still surviving."

South Australian Sonya Ryan, who has campaigned for internet safety after her daughter Carly died at the hands of an online predator, said being nominated was an amazing experience.

"For me it is recognising (Carly's) legacy and being able to share through the tragedy that happened to her," she said.

"It has been really difficult from the beginning but my focus has been on making a difference and trying to prevent crime against children.

"It has to be my focus. If I stayed in a place where I was thinking about what actually happened to my daughter, I wouldn't be able to do the job I am doing."

ACT nominee Tom Calma, a race discrimination commissioner, said Australia Day had a different meaning for different people.

"It's contentious for a lot of people and you do get, across the spectrum, some non-indigenous people who get offended and want to change Australia Day," Dr Calma said.

"You get Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in that same position.

"But it is a day we all celebrate and it has different meanings for different people."

Olympian Sally Pearson, Young Australian of the Year finalist for Queensland, said she was used to mingling with athletes and it was nice to meet people from different walks of life.

"It opens your world and opens your eyes a bit more to how many amazing young Australians are doing so much good for their community and the world."